Mysore: independent practice

Each of the three series of ashtanga yoga ( Yoga Chikitsa, Nadi Shodhana, Sthira Bhaga ) consists of a very specific sequence of positions.

If initially these sequences are "guided" by the teacher, through a rhythm that should be precise and fluid, the goal is actually to lay the foundations of operation, firm and clear, so that the student can soon reach personal practice. and independent.

Mysore style, self-practice , is not only the goal but it is the path itself through which each practitioner can understand and listen to himself in the practice and feel how the practice is working in him.

As long as the stimulus always comes from outside through guided practice, this ability to listen to oneself may not be well developed.

To practice  Mysore it is important to know the path well, as well as when we go hiking in the mountains, it is very important to have a map in hand and to know the area. But that map, however well written and however much effort others before us have put in tracing it, will never tell us everything about that path, which by its very nature is destined to constantly change.

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To be independent it is important to know and to know in depth it is necessary to learn to be independent.

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No teacher, however good, can really lead us all along the path. The main feature of this way of practicing yoga is in fact the synchrony between breath and movement ( vinyasa ) and everyone must learn to develop and follow their own breath, which day after day will be more and more ample and nourishing. In this way he will gradually build the  personal practice.

For this reason Mysore turns out to be the highest way of practicing and closest to the needs of each individual practitioner.